Gin bar plans submitted for former building society on historic street

In July, applicant Theakston Estates submitted a ‘change of use’ application for the former site of Newcastle Building Society on Elvet Bridge, Durham City.

Proposals submitted to Durham County Council seek an A5 ‘drinking establishment’ permission for the Grade-II listed building with a tenant in line to reopen the site as a gin bar.

Proposed opening hours are 11am–2am, seven days a week, in line with drinking establishments in Elvet Bridge and Saddler Street areas, a report adds.

Applicants argue the proposals are “sympathetic in design and would not affect the special interest of the listed building” or impact on the character of the conservation area and World Heritage Site.

However, during consultation neighbour John Lawrence Dixon, of Orchard House, raised concerns over rises in drinking establishments in the area and “associated noise and drunken behaviour”.

The statement adds  a “reappraisal of the planning approach is needed to resurrect the city centre and stem the inexorable tide of alcohol and its associated behaviours.”

The space became available in recent months when Newcastle Building Society moved to new premises in the nearby Saddler Street.

A previous ‘change of use’ for restaurant and cafe use was granted at the site which included removing the counter used by the building society.

New plans aim to remove a proposed kitchen and replace it with a store and staff room.

A consultation on the planning application will close on August 15 with a final decision expected by September 17 this year.

For more information on the plans, visit publicaccess.durham.gov.uk